Very discreet about his island origins, the mayor (DVG) of Marseille Benoît Payan nevertheless remains very attached to Corsica and its village of Carbuccia, a town of nearly 400 souls, located about forty kilometers to the north-east. of Ajaccio, in the micro-region of the Upper Gravona Valley. Present in the imperial city for the pontifical visit, the councilor, who does not hesitate to speak in Corsican, notably attended the closing by Pope Francis of the conference on popular piety before joining the cathedral and attend the holy mass celebrated at Casone.
You are attending Pope Francis' visit to Corsica at the invitation of the mayor of Ajaccio, why was it important for you to be present?
It was first, obviously, the possibility of seeing the Pope again, of listening to his message which beyond faith, piety, religiosity is a message of peace and fraternity. In a world in crisis and upheaval, we need extraordinary people like the Pope who spread a message of peace. Today there are too many warmongers, people who want division, the fracture of society and here, we have an extraordinary man who calls us to hold each other's hands. whatever our religion, our history, our skin color and that feels good. And the fact that he chose Corsica, this island in the middle of the Mediterranean which has been swept by the winds of history, tossed from difficulty to difficulty is also a very strong message that he addresses to Corsica and to the Corsican people.
You were the first to greet, to welcome the Pope in front of the steps of Ajaccio Cathedral, how did that happen?
He said to me: “do you remember Marseille?” He can't imagine how much I remember it. Of course I remember what happened in Marseille, he was happy that I was there and it was especially me who was happy. I was happy to represent my city and there are many of us here because the links between Corsica and Marseille are very strong. A Corsican journalist told me “you are the mayor of the first Corsican city”; it's true and for me it's very meaningful personally and as mayor of Marseille.
Yes, because you yourself are of Corsican origin, that makes this visit all the more special…
I came as a citizen, to listen to him, to share moments with people whom I see again with pleasure, and for two reasons.
What relations do you have with Ajaccio and Corsica in general?
You have understood, my relations are telluric with Corsica. Between Ajaccio and Marseille, there are long-standing relationships and whatever the adventures, the vicissitudes, the political changes… this city fraternity must exist. I also maintain friendships with Gilles Simeoni who is someone very important to me, including in my life because he is inspiring. He is a huge personality and Corsica is very lucky to have him.
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